Auto AC Repair Services in Rapid City, South Dakota

What is Auto Air Conditioning?

You might be surprised to learn exactly how your auto air conditioning system works. While it’s commonly assumed that the AC generates cool air, that’s not quite the case. Actually, it blows hot air, with all the heat removed through a peculiarly complex, multi-step process. In a nutshell, your auto air conditioning works by condensing the refrigerant (Freon), which in turn raises its temperature. This passes through a dryer, where contaminants and moisture are removed, then into an accumulator where it’s slowed down further, leading to a loss of both pressure and temperature. The evaporator then cools down that air further still before the ventilation system pushes it out—and you experience it as a blast of chilly air!

Why You Need an AC Check

There are a couple of main reasons why it’s smart to get air conditioning service work done. The first is that you’re going to run out of refrigerant eventually, and will need to have it replaced. (You use roughly 15 percent of your refrigerant each year.) In addition, wear and tear to each individual piece of your AC unit can cause long-term problems, but routine maintenance prevents minor problems from turning into larger, more expensive ones. It’s ultimately in your best interest as a vehicle owner to make preventative maintenance a priority, and that includes getting a regular AC check.

Is it Time for Air Conditioning Service?

If you ever find that your auto air conditioning isn’t working as it’s supposed to—that is, that your auto air conditioning no longer provides nice, cool air—that’s the #1 sign that it’s time for an AC check. With that said, there’s merit to getting AC service done as regular, preventative maintenance—perhaps when you have your tires rotated or your oil changed. This allows you to stay on top of your AC help, and address any potential issues before they spiral out of control.

Should You Invest in Auto Air Conditioning Repair?

Responsible car owners get their oil changed about twice a year. They get their tires rotated, as well. They might do this work themselves; more likely, they go to a service station like Meineke in Rapid City SD. As you show diligence to these routine auto maintenance steps, don’t forget about your auto air conditioning. Your auto air conditioning works harder than you might think: It takes hot air and cools it, cleans out contaminants, and removes extra moisture. Through a multi-step process, it moves cool air from your refrigerant (Freon) to the vents, where you finally get to experience cool, refreshing air in your cabin. That’s a lot of hustle, so it’s no wonder your auto air conditioning needs some TLC from time to time.

Should You Have an Air Conditioning Service Appointment Every Year?

The best way to stay on top of potential problems is just to make air conditioning service calls regular. Work them into your standing service appointments at Meineke in Rapid City SD. Having an AC check once or twice a year will almost always be sufficient.

Do You Know How Your Auto Air Conditioning Really Works?

How well do you understand the workings of your auto air conditioning system? Many drivers are surprised when they learn that their auto AC doesn’t simply push out cool air, but rather it starts with warm air, cools and depressurizes it, filters out its contaminants, and then—at the end of a multi-stage process—it finally pushes that cool air into the cabin of the vehicle. If that sounds like a laborious undertaking, well, it is. The auto air conditioning takes on a lot of wear and tear. It goes without saying, then, that regular maintenance is a must.